Lower Extremity Dressing Aid

ABSTRACT

A dressing aid for assisting individuals with limited mobility, flexibility, and/or stability to don or remove garments over their lower extremities is disclosed. An embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a dressing aid that comprises a first cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end, a first elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, a second elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, a plurality of clips disposed along the lengths of the first cross member, the first elongated member, and/or the second elongated member, wherein the first distal end of the first cross member is attached to the terminal end of the first elongated member, and wherein the second distal end of the first cross member is attached to the terminal end of the second elongated member. A method of dressing is also disclosed comprising attaching a garment to a plurality of clips, at least one of the plurality of clips is attached to a first cross member, pulling a first elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, the terminal end connected to a first distal end of the first cross member, pulling a second elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, the terminal end connected to a second distal end of the first cross member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/665,020, filed on May 1, 2018, and entitled, “Lower ExtremityDressing Aid,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to dressing aids, and more particularly,to dressing aids that assist individuals with limited mobility to don orremove garments.

2. Description of Related Art

For those with limited mobility, including but not limited toindividuals experiencing limited reach, bending, dexterity, flexibility,and/or stability, dressing their body presents many challenges. Forexample, limitations restricting bending at the hip may make the lowerextremities impossible to reach. In another example, an individual'sinstability may increase the risk of falling due to the individual'sfailed attempts to maintain balance on a foot, or feet, while workingthe garment on or off the lower extremities. Further, limitations inmobility may force the individual to adopt a specific body posture thatrenders the dressing of the lower extremities extremely difficult if notimpossible. These aforementioned examples are merely brief descriptionsof the challenges that are commonly faced by individuals having limitedmobility and are not intended to be an exhaustive listing of examples.

Deficient dressing aids exist in the art. A common type of dressing aidis conventionally known as a dressing stick. With this aid, the usergrasps one end of the stick. Attached to the other, distal end, is ahook. Starting from a seated position, the individual dons or removes agarment by repeating a cycle of hooking, pulling and/or pushing, andunhooking the garment as it gradually covers, or is removed from, thelower extremities.

Another common type of lower extremity dressing aid is conventionallyknown as a “reacher,” also based on a stick. With this reacher, the usergrasps a trigger handle attached to one end of the stick. The triggeropens and closes a jaw attached to the other, distal end. Starting froma seated position, the user dons or removes a garment by repeating acycle of grasping, pulling and/or pushing, and ungrasping the garment asit gradually covers, or is removed from, the lower extremities.

The dressing stick and reacher require its users to invest substantialtime and effort because such devices require the repeated cycle ofattaching, pulling and/or pushing, and releasing the garment during theprocess of donning or removing the garment. Individuals become fatiguedand exhausted from the effort. These aids often require individuals toextend, bend, lift and/or twist multiple body parts, such as the torso,knees, hips, shoulders, back, and arms, to the very limits of, or beyondtheir ranges of motion. For example, these aids force some individualsto lift their feet more than six inches off the ground or floor, a taskthat is difficult, if not impossible, for some of some individuals.These aids also do not hold a garment open, which would allow the usersto more easily slip in or out of said garment. And these aids do notoffer any support that improve the individual's stability.

Therefore, there is a need for a lower extremity dressing aid thatallows its users to don or remove a garment with less effort and time,from multiple positions, utilizing a minimal range of motion, and withimproved stability. This need has heretofore remained unsatisfied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention offers users a variety of options in donning orremoving a garment over their lower extremities. These options are notcurrently available in the art of lower extremity dressing aids, orthese options are entirely non-existent in the respective field.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dressing aidcomprises a first cross member comprising a first distal end and asecond distal end, a first elongated member comprising a handle end anda terminal end, a second elongated member comprising a handle end and aterminal end, a plurality of clips disposed along the lengths of thefirst cross member, the first elongated member, and/or the secondelongated member, wherein the first distal end of the first cross memberis attached to the terminal end of the first elongated member, andwherein the second distal end of the first cross member is attached tothe terminal end of the second elongated member. In another embodiment,the dressing aid comprises a second cross member comprising a firstdistal end and a second distal end, wherein the first distal end of thesecond cross member is attached to first elongated member; and whereinthe second distal end of the second cross member is attached to thesecond elongated member. In another embodiment, at least one of theplurality of clips is attached to the second cross member. In anotherembodiment, the first cross member, the first elongated member, or thesecond elongated member is extendable or retractable. In anotherembodiment, the dressing aid further comprises a first handle attachedto the handle end of the first elongated member and a second handleattached to the handle end of the second elongated member. In anotherembodiment, the dressing aid of further comprises a clip extension,wherein the clip extension attaches one of the plurality of clips to thefirst cross member, the first elongated member, and/or the secondelongated member. In another embodiment, the plurality of clips isselected from the group consisting of: suspender clips, bulldog clips,alligator clips, spring clamps, locking clamps, cushion-grip springclamps, adjustable jaw spring clamps, clothes pins, binder clips,buttons, and magnetic clips.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dressingaid comprises a first cross member comprising a first distal end and asecond distal end, a second cross member comprising a first distal endand a second distal end, a first end connector connecting the firstdistal end of the first cross member to the first distal end of thesecond cross member, a second end connector connecting the second distalend of the first cross member to the second distal end of the secondcross member, a first elongated member connected to the first crossmember, the second cross member, the first end connector, or the secondend connector, a plurality of clips, wherein the first elongated memberis not co-planar with the plane defined by the connection points of thefirst cross member, the second cross member, the first end connector,and the second end connector. In another embodiment, the dressing aidfurther comprises a plurality of clip extensions. In another embodiment,the first cross member, the second cross member, the first endconnector, or the second end connector is extendable.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method fordressing comprises attaching a garment to a plurality of clips, at leastone of the plurality of clips is attached to a first cross member,pulling a first elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminalend, the terminal end connected to a first distal end of the first crossmember, pulling a second elongated member comprising a handle end and aterminal end, the terminal end connected to a second distal end of thefirst cross member. In another embodiment, the method for dressingfurther comprises the step of attaching the garment to a second clip ofthe plurality of clips disposed on a second cross member, wherein thesecond cross member comprises a first distal end connected to the firstelongated member and a second distal end connected to the secondelongated member. In another embodiment, at least one of the pluralityof clips is attached to the first cross member via a clip extension.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dressing aidcomprises elongated members. The elongated members allow users tooperate within their limitations of mobility, flexibility, and/orstability by providing an extended length of material that the user maygrasp at any location along the elongated members. For example, theelongated members allow users to reach the lowest point of an extremitywithout leaning forward or bending the back. They allow the user to pullthe present disclosure straight upwards, allowing the user to don theirlower extremities while standing. They allow users to lean back forbalance. They allow users to move within their limited range of motion,such as allowing the feet to come off the ground or floor no more thansix inches. They further allow multiple positions from which the usermay don or remove a garment.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressingaid further comprises a cross member with clips. The cross member allowsusers to attach the front part of the garment's waistline, ifapplicable, to the device and in a position that opens the entire topopening defined by the waistline, providing users a fixed openingthrough which the foot, or feet, may more easily insert into thegarment. Further, this embodiment allows users to efficiently don orremove a garment, without the need for reattaching clips repeatedlythroughout the process, thereby saving users valuable energy and time.The aforementioned clips are components combined with the cross memberthat work as a single unit in the present device.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressingaid further comprises two extension members with clips. These extensionmembers allow users to attach the back part of the garment's waist line,if applicable, to the device, thereby spreading the back of thegarment's waist line flat against the ground or floor, creating anopening through which a foot, or feet, may more easily insert into thegarment, and allowing the user to raise a foot, or feet, no more thansix inches above the ground or floor. The aforementioned clips arecomponents combined with the extension members on the present invention.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressingaid further comprises user-extendable elongated members anduser-configurable handles that allow the dressing aid to be configured,by its users, for optimum use. They allow users to dress from a sittingor lying position.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressingaid is further composed from semi-rigid or rigid material. Suchmaterials include, but are not limited to, any suitable polymer, metal,or composite material, or any combination thereof. The semi-rigidity orrigidity allows for both the donning and removal of lower extremitygarments.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressingaid further comprises a cross member, which may function as a rest bar.This allows users to balance and rest the present invention on theirlaps while attaching or detaching garments to or from the device. Therest bar also provides a graspable part that aids in controlling thedevice while guiding the garment up the lower extremity.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objectsand advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuingdescriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings brieflydescribed as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevated perspective view of a dressing aid,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a detail perspective view of lengthened arms for usein a lower extremity dressing aid, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a detail perspective view of a cross bar, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a detail perspective view of a cross bar with clips,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail perspective view of clip extensions,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an elevated perspective view of an assembled dressingaid with garment attached, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an elevated perspective view of a lower extremitydressing aid having retractable and extendable members, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as thestructure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, aredescribed in detail below with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1-7.

The components of an exemplary dressing aid, including withoutlimitation, the elongated members, the first cross member, the secondcross member, the clips 12, the extension members, and the handles, maybe constructed from any rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, thedressing aid's components may be made from any suitable polymer, metal,or composite material, or any combination thereof. For example, thecross members, along with the handles and the elongated members may beconstructed from tubing comprising any rigid or semi-rigid material.Further, such tubing may have any enclosed or unenclosed cross-section,for example, round tubing, square tubing, semi-circular tubing, orchannel tubing.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressingaid is further composed from a material suitable for inflatables. Suchmaterials include, but are not limited to, any suitable rubber, nylonfabric, polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic polyurethane. Theinflatable nature of this embodiment promotes portability.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and with referenceto FIG. 1, a lower extremity dressing aid 100 comprises a plurality ofclips 102. The clips 102 comprise any device suitable for releasablyattaching to, and holding, an article of clothing. For example, theclips 102 may be embodied as a suspender clip, a bulldog clip, analligator clip, a spring clamp, a locking clamp, a cushion-grip springclamp, an adjustable-jaw spring clamp, a clothes pin, or a binder clip.Further, the clips 102 may comprise a device that does not usespring-loaded and/or applied mechanical force to hold a garment. Forexample, the clips 102 may comprise magnets that attach to anothermagnet attached to an article of clothing, or buttons that attach to thegarment. Moreover, such non-mechanical iterations may be used inconjunction with mechanical embodiments. For example, a singleattachment clip 102 may comprise both a magnet and a spring clamp. It isapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to use various types ofclips and/or other means for attaching and holding a garment in usingthe lower extremity dressing aid 100. Although FIG. 1 shows four clips102 being used with the lower extremity dressing aid 100, any number ofclips 102 may be used without departing from the embodimentscontemplated herein.

In another exemplary embodiment, the dressing aid 100 may comprise afirst cross member 103. The first cross member 103 may have a pluralityof clips 102 attached thereto. The clips 102 may be attachedpermanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or anycombination thereof, at any point along the first cross member 103without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. Although thefirst cross member 103 is shown as having two clips 102, any number ofclips 102, including zero, may be used without departing from theembodiments contemplated herein. The clips 102 may be attached directlyto the first cross member 103 or utilize extension members 104. Further,the first cross member 103 may be configured such that the clips 102 maybe installed at any location along the first cross member 103. Further,the first cross member 103 and/or the second cross member 105 may be afixed length or, alternatively, configured such that they are adjustablein length. In such an embodiment, the second cross member 105 and thefirst cross member 103 may be adjustable such that the overall width ofthe dressing aid 100 is user configurable. The second cross member 105may further comprise a grip material 106. The second cross member 105and the first cross member 103 may be substantially parallel to eachother. The second cross member 105 and/or the first cross member 103 maybe configured such that the perpendicular distance between the two isfixed or is adjustable. For example, the elongated members 101 may beattached to the first cross member 103 at its distal ends, and thesecond cross member 105 may be releasably attached to the elongatedmembers 101 at the second cross member's 105 distal ends such that auser can release the second cross member 105 and slide it along adesired length along the axis of the elongated members 101. In such anembodiment, a user can adjust the distance between the second crossmember 105 and the first cross member 103. Although the first crossmember 103 and the second cross member 105 are shown as substantiallystraight, the first cross member 103 and/or the second cross member 105may comprise other shapes. For example, the first cross member 103and/or the second cross member 105 may be curved, or otherwise comprisea non-liner shape.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lower extremity dressing aid 100comprises a second cross member 105. The second cross member 105 may beoptionally wrapped in a grip material 106. The grip material 106 maycomprise any material that promotes the user's ability to grasp andmanipulate the dressing aid 100. For example, the grip material 106 maycomprise of materials such as, but not limited to foam, cork, or griptape material. The grip material 106 may be configured such that it iseasily removed, replaced, and/or cleaned. A plurality of clips 102 maybe attached to the second cross member 105. The clips 102 may beattached permanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or anycombination thereof, without departing from the embodiments contemplatedherein. Although two clips 102 are shown as being used in combinationwith the second member 105, any number, including zero, may be utilizedwithout departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. Clipextensions 104 may be attached to the first cross member 103 and/or thesecond cross member 105. The extension members 104 may be a fixed lengthor may be configured such that they are extendable and/or retractable bya user. For example, the extension members may be telescopic,extendable, and/or retractable. Although the clip extensions 104 areshown as being attached to the distal ends of the second cross member105, the extension members 104 may be attached to any position along thelength of the first cross member 103 and/or second cross member 105.Additionally, the clip extensions 104 and/or the second cross member 105may be configured such that the extension members 104 may be releasedand repositioned at any point along the second cross member 105 tofacilitate the dressing aid's 100 use. The extension members 104 mayfurther be configured such that their spatial position and orientationmay be configured, by the user, in any orientation relative to thesecond cross member 105. For example, the clip extensions 104 mayutilize a ball joint such that the extension members' 104 orientationmay be user-configurable. The clips 102 may be attached to the extensionmembers 104 such that the clips' 102 orientation may be configured, bythe user, to reorient its spatial orientation relative to the clip 104on which it is attached. The dressing aid 100 may optionally configuredsuch that the clips 102 are attached directly to the second cross member105, without using the extension members 104.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lower extremity dressing aid 100comprises a plurality of elongated members 101. The elongated members'101 first distal end may be attached to second cross member 105. Theelongated members' 101 second distal end may comprise a handle 107. Theelongated members 101 may be configured as fixed in length or asextendable, telescopic, and/or retractable. Further, the elongatedmembers 101 and/or the handles 107 may comprise a grip material 106. Thegrip material 106 utilized on the second cross member 105, the arms 101,and/or the handles 107 may be the same material or, alternatively, maybe differing materials. The handles 107 may be attached to the elongatedmembers 101 in a fixed configuration. Alternatively, one or more of thehandles 107 may be removably attached to an elongated member 101. Thehandle 107 may further be configured such that its orientation relativeto the elongated member 101 may be adjustable. While not shown in afigure, one of more of the clips found in the plurality of clips 102 maybe attached to any point on the elongated members 101. The clips 102 maybe attached permanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, orany combination thereof, at any point along the length of the elongatedmembers 101 without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein.Additionally, the elongated members need not be identical in length. oneof more of the elongated members 101 may be substantially shorter thanany other elongated member 101.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and withreference to FIG. 2, the elongated members 200 may comprise handles 202at one of the distal ends. The elongated members 200 may be configuredsuch that their lengths may be independently adjusted by the user toaccommodate a variety of different physical limitations and/or garments.Such adjustability may include, but is not limited to, elongated members200 that are retractable, telescopic, and/or foldable. The handles 202may be fixed or user-configurable to allow differing angles relative tothe elongated members 200. Further, the elongated members 200 maycomprise trigger handles (not shown) at one of the distal ends of theelongated members 200. The trigger handles may be attached remotely,mechanically, electronically or otherwise, to one or more clips 102,501, 603, thereby allowing the user to manipulate one or more of theclips via the trigger handle. The trigger handles may be fixed oruser-configurable to allow differing angles relative to the elongatedmembers 200. Further, the elongated members 200 may comprise a gripmaterial that promotes handling (not shown). The elongated members 200may be modified in shape, length, size, features, angles, positioning,material, ability and the like, without departing from the embodimentscontemplated herein.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and withreference to FIG. 3, the second cross member assembly 300 may havecrossbar connectors 302 at each of the distal ends of the elongatedportion 301 of the second cross member assembly 300. The connectors 302may be configured such that the second cross member 300 is fixed on thedressing aid. Alternatively, the connectors 302 may be configured suchthat the second cross member assembly 300 is attached permanently,detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or any combination thereof, tothe dressing aid. Additionally, the second cross member 301 may comprisea grip material. The first cross member may be modified in shape,length, size, features, angles, positioning, material, ability and thelike, without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein.Additionally, the cross member assembly 300 may be configured such thatits overall length is adjustable. In such an embodiment, for example,the elongated portion 301 may be configured to be retractable and/ortelescopic. Alternative embodiments may be configured such that one ormore of the connectors 302 are configured to extend the overall lengthof the assembly 300.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and withreference to FIG. 4, the first cross member assembly 400 comprises aplurality of clips 402 disposed and attached along the length of theelongated portion 401 of the first cross member assembly 400. Some orall of the first cross member assembly 400 may further comprise gripmaterial (not shown). The first cross member assembly 400 may bemodified in shape, length, size, features, angles, positioning,material, ability and the like without departing from the embodimentscontemplated herein. For example, the elongated portion 401 may beconfigured to be telescopic.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and withreference to FIG. 5, clip extensions 500 may be utilized in connectionwith the dressing aid. The clip extensions 500 may be attachedpermanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or anycombination thereof, to any member of the dressing aid without departingfrom the embodiments contemplated herein. The clip extensions 500 may beattached to the dressing aid such that they are fixed in position and/ororientation. Additionally, the extension members 500 may be attached tothe dressing aid such that they are user-configurable in shape, length,and/or orientation, thereby allowing the user to alter the dressing aidto fit the garment and/or user being dressed. Even though two clipextensions 500 are shown, any number of clip extensions 500, includingzero, may be attached to the dressing aid without departing from theembodiments contemplated herein. The clip extensions 500 may compriseclips 501 that can be modified in shape, length, size, features, angles,positioning, material, ability, and the like. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, the clips 501 comprise an additional lever extension 502 thataids in the opening of the clip. Another example of a clip variationincludes motorized clips that may be opened and closed remotely and/orelectronically (not shown).

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and withreference to FIG. 6, the dressing aid 600 comprises a second crossmember 601, a first cross member 602, two elongated members 605, and twoextension members 606. The second cross member 601 may be attached, atone of its distal ends 610 to one of the elongated members 605, and atthe second cross member's 601 other distal end 610 to the otherelongated member 605. The second cross member 601 may be configured suchthat its position along the elongated members 605 is user configurable.In an embodiment, a clip extension 606 may be attached to one of thesecond cross member's distal ends. Another clip extension 606 may alsobe attached to the other elongated member 605. Further, the extensionmembers 606 may be configured such that their position along the lengthof one or more of the elongated members 605 is user configurable. Thefirst cross member 602 may be attached, at one of its distal ends 611,to the first end 612 of one elongated member 605, and the first crossmember's other distal end 611 may be attached to the first end 612 ofthe other elongated member 605. Clips 603 may be attached to the clipextensions 606. The first cross member 602 may have a plurality of clips603 attached along its length. The clips 603 may be attachedpermanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or anycombination thereof, without departing from the embodiments contemplatedherein. Further, the second cross member 601 may comprise a plurality ofclips 603 disposed thereon, in lieu of or in addition to, the clips 603attached to the second cross member 601 and/or the first cross member602. One or more of the clips 603 may be releasably attached to agarment 604. The dressing aid 600 may be modified in shape, length,size, features, angles, positioning, material, ability and the like,without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the firstcross member 602, the second cross member 601, and/or the extensionmembers 606, or any combination thereof, is slideably attached to theelongated members 605. A manually-operated, or motorized, pulley orspring, not shown, is placed on a substantially solid surface or mountedanywhere on the dressing aid 600. The pulley or spring is connected tothe first cross member 602, the second cross member 601, and/or theelongated members 605, or any combination thereof, and the pulley orspring pulls the connected first cross member, second cross member,and/or extension members, or applicable combination thereof, up along alength of the elongated members.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and withreference to FIG. 7, the dressing aid 700 comprises a first cross member702 and a second cross member 701, each connected to elongated members705. The dressing aid further comprises a plurality of clips 703attached to the dressing aid 700 and are configured to hold a garment704. One or more of the clips 703 may also be attached to the dressingaid 700 using clip extensions 705. In some embodiments, the clipextensions 703 are extendable. In such an embodiment, the clipextensions 705 may, for example, further comprise a button clipextension member 706, comprising a depressible button capable of lockinginto hole of a plurality of holes. In another embodiment, the firstcross member 702 may also comprise a telescopic member 708. In such anembodiment, the telescopic member 708 may comprise a button clipextension. In another embodiment, the second cross member 701 may alsocomprise a telescopic member 707. In another embodiment, the elongatedmembers 705 may also comprise telescopic member 709 that allows thelength between the handles and the first cross member 702 to beuser-configurable. In such an embodiment, the telescopic member maycomprise, for example, a twist-lock design. Although the first crossmember 702, the second cross member 701 and the elongated members 705are shown as having a push button locks and twist locks, respectively,any type of telescopic member may be used without departing from thecontemplated embodiments. For example, telescoping strut channel,telescoping slides, cam-locks, twist-locks, quick release ball lockingpins, and tapering wall clamps may be utilized.

Although the embodiments are shown and described wherein the planedefined by the distal ends of the elongated members is substantiallyco-planer with the plane defined by the first and second cross members,these two planes can have other orientations without departing from thecontemplated embodiments. For example, the plane defined by the firstand second cross members can be approximately perpendicular to the planedefined by the elongated members. In such an embodiment, a user couldarrange the dressing aid such that their feet are disposed within thearea bounded by the first and second cross members. The user could then,in the standing position, pull their pants up using the elongatedmembers while remaining upright.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressingaid comprises one or more cross members, wherein each of the crossmembers are comprised two distal end portions, and one or more elongatedmembers, wherein each of the one or more elongated members are comprisedof two distal end portions, one being the first end portion, and theother being the second end portion. A single cross member of the one ormore cross members is attached to the first distal end portion of asingle elongated member of the one or more elongated members at anylocation along the single cross member. The single cross member, and/orany other cross member may be straight, curved and/or any non-linearshape, or any combination thereof. Further, the dressing aid maycomprise a plurality of clips, wherein one of the clips is attached tothe single cross member, and the remainder of the clips are attached toany of the one or more cross members and/or any of the one or moreelongated members, or any combination thereof. The one or more crossmembers, the one or more elongated members, and the plurality of clipsmay be attached permanently, detachably, movably, slideably, hingably,or some combination thereof. Further, the dressing aid may comprise oneor more extension members, wherein each of the extension members arecomprised of two distal end portions, and wherein one of the distal endportions of each of the extension members are attached to the singlecross member at the distal end portions of the single cross member. Theextension members may be attached permanently, detachably, movably,slideably, hingably or some combination thereof. At least one of theclips may be attached permanently, detachably, movably, slideably,hingably or some combination thereof, to the extension member. Any oneor more of the cross members, elongated members and/or extension membersmay be retractable, telescoping, foldable, some combination thereof, orotherwise configured to have adjustable lengths.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments forthe purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the inventioncan be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not beregarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosedherein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with thefollowing claims.

I claim:
 1. A dressing aid comprising: a first cross member comprising afirst distal end and a second distal end; a first elongated membercomprising a terminal end; a second elongated member comprising aterminal end; and at least one clip disposed along the lengths of thefirst cross member, the first elongated member, or the second elongatedmember; wherein the first distal end of the first cross member isattached to the terminal end of the first elongated member; and whereinthe second distal end of the first cross member is attached to theterminal end of the second elongated member.
 2. The dressing aid ofclaim 1 further comprising: a second cross member comprising a firstdistal end and a second distal end; wherein the first distal end of thesecond cross member is attached to first elongated member; and whereinthe second distal end of the second cross member is attached to thesecond elongated member.
 3. The dressing aid of claim 2, wherein atleast one of the plurality of clips is attached to the second crossmember,
 4. The dressing aid of claim 1, wherein the first cross member,the first elongated member, or the second elongated member is extendableor retractable.
 5. The dressing aid of claim 1 further comprising: afirst handle attached to a handle end of the first elongated memberopposite the terminal end; and a second handle attached to a handle endof the second elongated member opposite the terminal end.
 6. Thedressing aid of claim 1 further comprising a clip extension; wherein theclip extension attaches one of the plurality of clips to the first crossmember, the first elongated member, and/or the second elongated member,7. The dressing aid of claim 1, wherein the clip is a suspender clip,bulldog clip, alligator clip, spring clamp, locking clamp, cushion-gripspring clamp, adjustable jaw spring clamp, clothes pin, binder clip,button, magnetic clip, or a combination thereof.
 8. A dressing aidcomprising: a first cross member comprising a first distal end and asecond distal end; a second cross member comprising a first distal endand a second distal end; a first end connector connecting the firstdistal end of the first cross member to the first distal end of thesecond cross member; a second end connector connecting the second distalend of the first cross member the second distal end of the second crossmember; a first elongated member connected to the first cross member,the second cross member, the first end connector, or the second endconnector; and a clip disposed along the length of the first crossmember, the second cross member, the first end connector, or the secondend connector; wherein the first elongated member is not co-planar withthe plane defined by the connection points of the first cross member,the second cross member, the first end connector, and the second endconnector.
 9. The dressing aid of claim 9 further comprising a clipextension.
 10. The dressing aid of claim 9, wherein the first crossmember, the second cross member, the first end connector, or the secondend connector is extendable.
 11. A method for dressing comprising:attaching a garment to a plurality of clips, at least one of theplurality of clips is attached to a first cross member; pulling a handleend of a first elongated member opposite a terminal end, the terminalend connected to a first distal end of the first cross member; andpulling a handle end of a second elongated member opposite a terminalend, the terminal end connected to a second distal end of the firstcross member;
 12. The method for dressing of claim 11 further comprisingthe step of attaching the garment to a second clip disposed on a secondcross member; wherein the second cross member comprises a first distalend connected to the first elongated member and a second distal endconnected to the second elongated member.
 13. The method for dressing ofclaim 11, wherein the clip is attached to the first cross member via aclip extension.